Few are the simple pleasures greater than passing a bottle of whisky around a campfire. In particular in the autumn, when the rustic surroundings and amber shades reflect the golden hue of your sipping selection.
Not only does a dram of the good stuff provide a hug of warmth in the chilly evenings, a splash or two can serve as kindling for your flaming teepee.
With a few more weekends of fall foliage to enjoy, we’ve compiled a companion guide of whisky and campsites around the region to brighten the flames on your next outdoor adventure.
The Fall Camping & Whisky Guide
Campsite: Algonquin Provincial Park
Can’t miss: Stunning views from the Lookout Trail.
Algonquin is almost certainly the most famous provincial park in Canada. Nestled in the Ontario Highlands between Ottawa and Georgian Bay, Algonquin is one of the most accessible parks, as the highway cuts right through the middle. It’s also the oldest provincial park in the country.
Moreover, the abundance of wildlife, hiking trails leading to beautiful vistas and canoe routes in the park make Algonquin one of the best Ontario park locales to visit in fall.
Whisky: Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
The only Kentucky bourbon made “Irish style”—triple distilled in copper pots—it’s a sweet, well-rounded and easy drinking bourbon. At 90.4 proof, it’s definitely a middle of the road choice among the bourbons available in pint bottle size, straddling the center in terms of alcohol strength, flavor and cost.
Campsite: Arrowhead Provincial Park
Can’t miss: The views from Big Bend Lookout.
Housed in the heart of Muskoka, the multitude of lakes and trees make Arrowhead a perfect destination for leaf-spotting. Be sure to abuse the terrific assortment of trails! One leads to an epic lookout over the big bend, an oxbow of the Big East River. Another leads to Insta worthy Stubb’s Falls and a pedestrian bridge.
Whisky: Old Forrester
If you are in need of something light enough that you can pass to less enthusiastic whisky drinkers, Old Forester is the route to go. Forrerster’s 86 proof strikes a balance between not being too strong while staying flavorful.
Campsite: Bon Echo
Can’t miss: Mazinaw Rock views.
Another entry in the Ontario Highlands, Bon Echo Provincial Park puts on a spectacular show of autumn colours against the movie-esque backdrop of Mazinaw Rock. It is a sheer cliff with over 200 Indigenous pictographs.
You can take advantage of the plethora of easy to moderate hiking trails within the park; including one leading to the apex of the cliff. Needless to say, you’ll want to have your phone fully charged to capture the moment.
Whisky: Wild Turkey
You knew we would get here eventually. Is there a whisky that goes better with camping than Wild Turkey? Beyond the apt name, the flavor rings through with a distinct oak and cedar aspect that pairs marvelously with sleeping under the tree canopy.
Campsite: Killbear Provincial Park
Can’t miss: The Tree looking out over Georgian Bay
The sprawling deciduous forest, coupled with the gorgeous views of Georgian Bay, make Killbear a must do on the fall camping circuit.
Another destination with tons of trails awash in stellar viewpoints, it has all the components for a memorable weekend under the stars.
Whisky: Glenfiddich Single Malt
It simply wouldn’t be a complete list without a taste of the Glen. This Scottish malt brings a classic, oak timber to your campfire drinking session. You can pick up smaller bottles for ease of travel at the LCBO.
